Indonesia - Balinese Gong
	A magnificent solid bronze gong and stand from Bali. The sound of the Indonesian hand-forged gongs is incomparable; these are without exaggeration the finest gongs in the world. Hereditary blacksmiths forge these, taking a team of 6 expert workers up to 300 man-hours to complete one gong. Gong making is surrounded by many taboos and rituals to ensure successful forging. A complete gamelan orchestra is treated as a living sacred entity and offerings are made, beginning with the huge gongs, before every performance. The Balinese taste for extravagant gold-leafed woodcarving is evident in the gong stand; the silver-toned metal strips on the support poles are protective magical insulation.
	stand height - 58", gong diameter - 21"	M-03 $1,650